Inlet of the Pacific Ocean, northwestern coast of Costa Rica.
It is formed by the protrusion of the Nicoya Peninsula from the mainland and extends north and northwest for about 50 mi (80 km). The Tempisque, Abangares, and Tárcoles rivers empty into the gulf. It has several islands, including Chira, the largest, and San Lucas. The largest town and port on the shores of the gulf is Puntarenas.